Ephesians 2:8
"For it is by grace we are saved, through faith, and this not from ourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, lest any man boast."
God's lesson for our body of believers this Sunday morning was a reminder that faith is trusting in God, no matter what the circumstances. We were reminded (Romans 4:5) that "...to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness."
Abraham had kept no law, rendered no service and performed no ritual that earned credit to his account before God. Rather, his belief in God, who had made promises to him, was credited to him as righteousness (footnotes: Romans 4, NIV Study Bible).
Myrrh, the sweet perfume, begins as a hard resin, our pastor taught. It is only when it is crushed that the fragrant perfume emerges.
Question of the hour: "When I am 'crushed' by tragedy, illness, heartache -- does that circumstance produce in me the sweet fragrance of faith?"
In the midst of his pain, Job distinguished himself from his friends by talking with God, as opposed to talking about Him. God desires that ongoing conversation, covets relationship with His beloved sons and daughters. May we constantly live in the light of that precious relationship! May we embrace the joy and promise of the gift of faith from our Sovereign Lord! May we be persistent in prayer, eager to give God the glory regardless of our fleshly inclination.
God is good!
"For it is by grace we are saved, through faith, and this not from ourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, lest any man boast."
God's lesson for our body of believers this Sunday morning was a reminder that faith is trusting in God, no matter what the circumstances. We were reminded (Romans 4:5) that "...to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness."
Abraham had kept no law, rendered no service and performed no ritual that earned credit to his account before God. Rather, his belief in God, who had made promises to him, was credited to him as righteousness (footnotes: Romans 4, NIV Study Bible).
Myrrh, the sweet perfume, begins as a hard resin, our pastor taught. It is only when it is crushed that the fragrant perfume emerges.
Question of the hour: "When I am 'crushed' by tragedy, illness, heartache -- does that circumstance produce in me the sweet fragrance of faith?"
In the midst of his pain, Job distinguished himself from his friends by talking with God, as opposed to talking about Him. God desires that ongoing conversation, covets relationship with His beloved sons and daughters. May we constantly live in the light of that precious relationship! May we embrace the joy and promise of the gift of faith from our Sovereign Lord! May we be persistent in prayer, eager to give God the glory regardless of our fleshly inclination.
God is good!
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